Falkirk District SNP Manifesto 2022-2027
OUR FUTURE OUR CHOICE
Our ambition for Falkirk District
Recover Revitalise Regenerate Local Government Elections - Falkirk Council - 5 May 2022
Falkirk District SNP Manifesto 2022-2027
OUR FUTURE OUR CHOICE CONTENTS 05 A message from Cecil Meiklejohn 06 The Last 5 Years 08 Our Vision for Your Town Centre 09 Delivering Growth in Falkirk District 10 Phase One: Building on Foundations 12 Phase Two: Creating Opportunity 14 Phase Three: Our Future Communities 16 Recover, Revitalise, Regenerate 18 Our People
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SNP Manifesto 2022-2027
A Message From Cecil Meiklejohn Leader of the Falkirk Council SNP Group The past two years have been among some of the hardest any of us will have faced in our lifetime. The pandemic, and the impact it has had on families, individuals, our elderly relatives and neighbours, and our young people, cannot be underestimated. Yet in a time that has been underwritten by challenge and adversity, I can honestly say that the resilience we have all shown has given me faith in our communities and hope for our future. I cannot say that these past five years as Council Leader have been without challenge. Indeed, they have been among some of the most challenging I have ever faced as both Councillor and Council Leader in my 15 years serving the people of Falkirk district. It is also true to say that some of the most challenging days are still ahead of us. While we are continuing to live through some of the most difficult economic times I can remember, there will still be tough choices ahead of us. Although I am hopeful that we can all come together and get through this period, we must also be pragmatic and realistic on what we can achieve. In order to achieve we must be ambitious; and communities right across Falkirk district lie at the very heart of our ambition. We can, and will, make the places we call home better for all of our people to live, work and grow. Our focus must be on recovery for every part of our council area, and we have the ability to regenerate our communities - to make them accessible and comfortable for families and individuals, young and old alike. We must have the vision and the foresight to revitalise our communities too, providing new and exciting opportunities and building on the foundations that we have already. My SNP colleagues and I trust that this manifesto gives an insight into our ambition for the next 5 years across Falkirk district. We are asking you to, once again, place your trust in us to deliver recovery, revitalisation and regeneration for each citizen, each community and each business in our area. Let’s build a better future for Falkirk district together.
C e cil Mei klejohn 5
The Last 5 Years
Progress of a minority SNP administration PANDEMIC Services and innovations since 2020 have been delivered within the challenges of the pandemic. Emergency measures had to be put in place to protect staff and the public.
EDUCATION AND YOUNG PEOPLE • Rollout of 1140 hours of funded early learning and childcare for all 3 and 4-year-olds. •
New sector-leading nursery facilities - Glenburn in Hallglen, Kinglass in Bo’ness, Woodburn in Westfield outdoor Woodlands Nursery.
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Attainment at its highest ever level which has held steady for two years.
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95% of school leavers going on to positive destinations, with a 4% increase year on year of pupils going to higher education and the third highest level of school leavers gaining at least 5 vocational qualifications.
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The rollout of Free School Meals.
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16,000 digital devices rolled out to primary and secondary pupils through Connected Falkirk.
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Initiatives to support children on the edges of care returning them to their homes from care homes. While increasing foster provision and kinship care by a combined 31% - supporting more children and young people to live locally and retain their personal networks.
HOUSING • Increased priority for people who are, or at risk of becoming, homeless through our review of the Housing Allocations Scheme.
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The Steps to Success initiative (previously known as Garry Place) has delivered improved housing options for care leavers, while supporting independent tenancies.
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Delivered 111 new council homes, with 3 sites currently under construction to deliver a further 65 properties for Falkirk Council.
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Delivered more accessible homes for older and disabled people.
Developed more support for looked after children and young people at school and in the community, including mentoring through the Champions Board.
With these challenges we have found different ways of working – making progress faster and better. Moving forward we will continue to find better ways of working, progressing and maintaining the crucial relationships developed with partners such as the voluntary and third sectors and the NHS. These partnerships are vital to our recovery. COMMUNITY • A new £1 million digital CCTV system is now in place. More cameras with better quality pictures and more flexibility over positioning. •
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Falkirk Council’s award winning new digital MECS service ensures vulnerable people can live independently at home for as long as possible. Community Choices funding of over £3 million has been invested in local community projects, created by local groups and voted for by local residents.
Returned 435 ex-council properties through the Buy Back Scheme adding to Council housing stock. Doubled the annual spend on housing improvements to £65 million. Meaning more repairs and upgrades to roofing, doors, kitchens and bathrooms for council tenants.
ENVIRONMENT • First Local Authority to declare a climate emergency in 2018. •
Developed a Climate Energy Action Plan.
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Revised our Litter strategy which among other interventions such as removal of fly-tipping on private land, provided support, equipment and resources to communities.
SNP Manifesto 2022-2027 ENVIRONMENT - continued • Our Biodiversity plan enables Communities to become involved in protecting and building on our natural heritage.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP • Opened a new centre at Thornton Gardens in Bonnybridge increasing respite provision for people of all ages.
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Introduced a separated bin collection for paper and card becoming one of the first cohort of councils to become Waste Charter Compliant.
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Summerford Intermediate Care centre expanded to enable more people to be discharged from hospital and be supported for returning to their own homes.
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Revised Litter Strategy to continue enhancement of open spaces and streets, with additional funding to support communities in tackling litter, while Falkirk Council developed a fund to tackle fly-tipping on private land.
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Expanded our home care service enabling more people to rebuild their independence after illness and/or a hospital stay.
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Opened a new Living Well Centre at the Sensory Centre in Camelon to empower people to live independently.
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Living Well in Falkirk - an online self-assessment tool supporting people to improve their daily lives.
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Delivered new Changing Places toilets in Grangemouth Sports and Mariner Centres and at the Helix.
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Developed new opportunities for adults with disabilities through Dates and Mates and Neighbourhood Networks.
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Purchase of mobile cameras to monitor known problem sites and hotspots.
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Partnership delivery of Electric A9, with the Scottish Government. Developed the largest EV hub on the A9 at The Falkirk Stadium.
Image - Electric A9 - Falkirk Stadium courtesy of Scottish Government
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY • Council house rents amongst the lowest in Scotland while doubling our housing investment programme.
SPORTING & RECREATION FACILITIES • Investment of £1.2 million to deliver a refurbished Mariner Centre.
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Balanced budget set every year whilst remaining within the Council’s Reserve Strategy.
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Upgraded Callendar Park play area and building of the Natural Play Trail throughout the park.
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The Council of the Future Change Programme has transformed services, delivering them in new and better ways than forcing cuts for service users.
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Building of the Tamfourhill Fort play area in partnership with the National Lottery and Our Place Camelon.
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Delivery of 3G football pitches at Newtown Park in partnership with Bo’ness United and at Westfield Park in Denny with Dunipace Football Club.
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Awarded Britain’s Best Walking Neighbourhood by the charity Ramblers in 2019. We have since grown our path network to over 500 miles from 383 when we won the award. Image - Westfield Park, Denny, courtesy of Scotdrone
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Our Vision for Your Town Centre
At the Council Elections in 2017, the SNP stood on a manifesto commitment to regenerate our town centres across the district. In September 2021 our vision came to fruition in the form of these plans. The regeneration of Falkirk Town Centre, under SNP plans, would bring the Headquarters of Falkirk Council, with a brand new, state-of-the-art, purpose built Town Hall, including a theatre, retail area, studio, library and Central Advice Hub (One Stop Shop). It was hoped that political opposition would back these plans, given the overwhelming support of residents and the almost unanimous support from town centre businesses for these plans. But... both Labour and the Tories voted AGAINST it.
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Aided by the “neutral” Provost, Billy Buchanan, political opposition couldn’t see the benefits this would bring, voting against £45 million investment, plus £6 million of Government funding. This would have kick-started a ripple effect of investment from the private sector right across Falkirk district. Opposition for the sake of opposition, and no credible alternative plans to deliver for businesses in Falkirk and across the wider district. The SNP plan to bring these proposals back to the table in the first 6 months of a new council term. Our commitment to recovery, revitalisation and regeneration for business, jobs and opportunity is unwavering.
Images - Render of HQ & Town Hall - from MLA Consultation - public document
SNP Manifesto 2022-2027
Delivering Growth in Falkirk District The Falkirk Growth Deal was signed in 2021 to deliver £141 million investment into the district. It is aimed at transforming our local economy, delivering on sustainability commitments and will benefit every community in the area. At the very heart of these plans is Community Wealth Building - where people have the opportunity to thrive with fair work, better paying jobs and redirecting wealth back to the people. Under our growth deal we will take forward: Innovative Industries •
£10 million Carbon Dioxide Utilisation Centre capturing CO2 from industry aiding our transition to net zero.
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£10 million for a Bioeconomy Accelerator Pilot Plant - utilising by-products from the food and drink industry to power innovative sustainability.
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£10 million Public Transport Net Zero Tech Cluster - in partnership with Alexander Dennis Ltd, creating a research and development centre of excellence.
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£4 million for an Innovation Skills Transition Centre led by Forth Valley College.
Grangemouth - Scotland’s Beating Heart Grangemouth isn’t just Scotland’s industrial centre, it is a community with significant potential, and is key to our sustainable future. The Greener Grangemouth Programme is designed to level the playing field and ensure that the people of Grangemouth prosper from the jobs and wealth created by an industry investing in their net zero commitments. We also recognise that, with changing shopping habits, like Falkirk, Grangemouth town centre requires investment and a changing landscape to make it fit for purpose, and provide a space we can all be proud of. With funding of £2 million, this programme will change the dynamic of Grangemouth as a community and industry living in harmony.
Creating Great Places Image - Port of Grangemouth.
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£21 million Falkirk Central Sustainable Transport Hub - where we connect Falkirk to the world.
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£4 million for Scotland’s Canal Centre transforming our landscape to develop opportunities for training, recreation and a new HQ for Scottish Canals.
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£3 million for Scotland’s National Outdoor Art Park - an innovative and interactive use of green space complimenting our canal network.
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Explore potential for a rail link in Grangemouth.
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Driving innovation, creating opportunity and ensuring our economy, communities and workspaces are fit for a sustainable future.
COLLABORATION IN EXPORTING SCOTLAND TO THE WORLD As a strategic centre, handling around 30% of Scotland’s GDP, the Port of Grangemouth is one of our greatest assets. With Forth Ports, and in partnership with colleagues in Edinburgh and Fife, we will work to deliver a Green Freeport in the Firth of Forth, encompassing Grangemouth, Rosyth and Leith as a central export hub that will deliver Scotland to the world. These plans can deliver up to 50,000 jobs and driving the development of decarbonised technologies, accelerating investment to contribute to meeting Scotland’s net zero targets by 2045.
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Phase One: Building on Foundations PARTNERSHIP WORKING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Communities should be at the heart of every decision we make. That is why we will continue to build on our track record of consultation, ensuring services are shaped and tailored to the needs of the community as they decide, not for decisions to be made for them. Building on our experience from the pandemic, we will continue to work in partnership with the NHS and public sector bodies, Third and Voluntary sectors to deliver key community objectives. We will also maintain our vital relationships with stakeholders in business and industry to drive more cohesive action for communities and the local economy.
HOUSING Our plan is to deliver 568 new energy efficient homes in the next 5 years, working together with Registered Social Landlords - focusing on delivering homes for life.
ENDING HOMELESSNESS An SNP administration will continue to work tirelessly with our Scottish Government and third sector partners to reduce homelessness and end rough sleeping. Ensuring that everyone has a warm, safe, secure home that meets their needs is central to this. We will work with the Scottish Government in rolling out the 2022-26 Ending Homelessness Together Fund of £50 million. Where homelessness does happen, we want it to be brief and unlikely to happen again. The key to reducing homelessness is prevention so we will focus on early intervention and a person centred approach to meet needs. When someone is at risk of homelessness, we want to get people into settled accommodation as soon as possible so will continue to invest in our rapid rehousing approach and will work with our Scottish Government partners to introduce a national programme to increase housing choices for those facing homelessness.
Existing council housing stock will benefit from the SNP’s plans to fit new windows, doors and energy efficient heating systems. Future proofing and making our current stock more sustainable. We will deliver energy efficient, carbon-reduction measures with multi-million-pound investment in areas without gas provision. These will include a hydrogen-ready gas installation, as well as renewable solutions like retrofitting of solar panels and air and ground-source heat-pump systems. To ensure our growing need for more accesible housing is met, we will continue working with our Health and Social Care partnership to identify improvements and adapt existing council housing where possible. We will continue to develop a more open and accesible housing market, offering better choices for owning your own home or renting. Giving a range of options appropriate for the needs of everyone.
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Image - Council Housing - courtesy of Falkirk Council.
BUILDING SAFER & SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES We know that people want to make their homes in safe, welcoming places where “two-doors-down” are people we know and trust. But we know that isn’t always the case, and every community has its challenges. An SNP administration will work with partners in Police Scotland and other agencies to ensure people feel safe in their homes and community. We will also develop a Good Neighbour policy, with emphasis on our collective responsibilty to live well together.
SNP Manifesto 2022-2027 SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE The health and wellbeing of our communities is a priority. Our commitment to enabling people to live well, with access to the facilities they need, has seen us deliver new Changing Places in Grangemouth, Camelon and the Helix. We will go further. We will identify sites to build new Changing Places in every town centre across the district. Bo’ness will be our next Changing Place toilet to open in 2022 with further opportunities, including at tourist attractions, in the future. The pandemic has exposed the significant pressure on our carers. Many of them have been caring constantly for over two years. We will expand our short-breaks programme, working with our Carers Centre to give carers the break they need and deserve. Everyone should have the support to call upon when they need it. We will expand our Family Support Services to ensure early intervention and prevent families from falling into crisis. Working with partners in health, social care, and the third sector we will develop a strategy to simplify the processes in place to help people live their lives to the full. From smoothing the hospital discharge process, to creating neighbourhood networks supporting people to live independently within their own communities, in the places they know and love. We are committed to breaking down the barriers that stop people living their lives as they should.
EQUALITIES We are living through some of the most testing times of our generation. Hate speech, and the resurgence of ideologies thought to have become extinct, has led to unacceptable abuse and intimidation towards members of our communities. We cannot, and must not, let that stand. We will ensure that positive action is taken to tackle racial, LGBTQ+, disability and other forms of discrimination in schools and workplaces through inclusive education, training and improved reporting systems. ANTI-RACISM SNP councils are committed to supporting inclusion and tackling racism in our cultural provision and will implement the recommendations of the Scottish Government funded Empire, Slavery and Scotland’s Museums project in our museums and galleries. ISLAMOPHOBIA Falkirk Council, under an SNP administration, will adopt the APPG definition of Islamophobia which states that “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” ANTISEMITISM In our efforts to build a tolerant society, Falkirk Council will work to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism under an SNP administration. BUSINESS We will continue to support businesses who have been negatively impacted throughout the pandemic and most recently, those which had to close due to the Omicron variant. An SNP administration will direct Falkirk district’s share of the Scottish Government’s £80m Covid Economic Recovery Fund to support our local economy’s recovery from the pandemic. We will consider the needs of local businesses, communities and households and target support to maximise economic recovery in our local areas. We will target support either using existing schemes like Scotland Loves Local, Business Improvement Districts or place-based investment programmes, or individual local authority grant schemes.
Image - Falkirk High Street
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Phase Two: Creating Opportunity EDUCATION - DEVELOPING OUR POTENTIAL ATTAINMENT Our young people are talented, capable and better educated than ever before. While our teachers and educators worked tirelessly over the pandemic. We will continue to prioritise closing the attainment gap by giving more power and resources directly to schools. Our ambition to close the poverty-related attainment gap will be further supported by the £130 million Pupil Equity fund. THE BEST START IN LIFE We will build a wraparound childcare system, providing care before and after school, all year round. Those on the lowest incomes will pay nothing, and others will make fair and affordable contributions. We will also expand free early years education to all 1 and 2-year-olds, starting with children from low income households. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVISION We will support the Scottish Government to deliver the recommendations of the Morgan review of additional support for learning in order to enhance the learning experiences of people with additional support needs. REDUCING THE BURDEN OF COST We will continue to roll out free school meals, extending our policy to primaries 6 and 7. This will save families around £400 per year. We will roll out free school breakfasts, all year round, to pupils in primary school and state-funded special schools. We will pilot the provision of free nutritious school breakfasts in secondary schools, and, based on the findings of the pilot project, explore the feasibility of universal breakfast provision in secondary schools.
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Our SNP administration will support the Scottish Government to deliver the school clothing grant of £120 for primary school and £150 for secondary school pupils, ensuring it increases each year with inflation.
IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH IN SCHOOLS The mental health of our young people has never been more important - especially given the impact of the pandemic on our collective mental health. We are providing access to mental health and wellbeing support to families in our schools, emphasising our commitment to ensuring a nurturing and caring environment for all. THE PROMISE Our ambition is for Scotland to be the best place to grow up where children are loved, safe and respected so that they can reach their full potential. We are committed to deliver on The Promise and help provide children and families with the strong foundations they need to thrive. INCLUSIVE EDUCATION We recognise the importance of having equality and human rights embedded in our education. We remain wholly committed to progressing delivery of the world-leading recommendations on LGBT Inclusive Education across the curriculum in order to improve the learning environment for all children and young people. We will support the Scottish Government to deliver high quality anti-racist education in our schools. To track progress, we will improve the reporting and publication of data on racist incidents in schools. IMPROVING THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT Our young people deserve a modern, welcoming and comfortable environment to get the best out of their education. We will seek to invest in our schools, upgrading where possible and redeveloping where necessary, giving access to the best possible environment where they are able to grow and develop. DEVELOPING OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE Our SNP administration will support the continued development of Gaelic Medium Education, in partnership with families, improving access to the language, understanding of Gaelic culture and increasing the numbers of people using the language. We will also commit to developing a strategy for the use and understanding of the Scots leid.
SNP Manifesto 2022-2027
BRINGING THE WORLD TO FALKIRK DISTRICT Tourism is an expanding industry in our area. With sites including Kinneil House and Estate, Blackness Castle, The Falkirk Wheel, Callendar House and much more - we want to bring the world to our little corner. We want to harness the potential of tourism. The delivery of an updated Kinneil Masterplan will ensure that the Bo’ness site, with 2,000 years of history, is a shining example of how we celebrate our heritage. Our rich natural heritage provides opportunities to develop ambitions with our partners at Scottish Canals. Building on our successes with the world-famous Kelpies, we want to solidify Falkirk district’s growing reputation as THE place to visit. Projects at Carron Dams and Bonnyfield Nature Reserve are examples of how communities can be empowered to develop place based projects, and play a part in advancing what Falkirk district has to offer.
Key to our success is understanding how our story merges with that of our neighbours in Clackmannanshire, Fife and Stirling. We will work with colleagues in these local authorities to create connectivity between areas, so that tourists, and residents alike, can enjoy what the wider region has to offer. UNDERSTANDING FALKIRK’S ROLE IN SCOTLAND’S STORY As proud Bairns, Bonessians, Mariners, Portonians or however you identify, we understand the value of knowing the role our area has played in Scotland’s rich, diverse and colourful history. With exciting developments on the horizon, the new Falkirk Distillery Company in Polmont, the return of the Rosebank Distillery and the development of the visitor centre at the historic site of the Battle of Falkirk Muir, our historic tale is still being written. Working with Historic Environment Scotland while reaching out to re-enactment societies and other organisations, we will further develop opportunities to bring Falkirk’s story to life.
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Phase Three: Our Future Communities DIVERSE COMMUNITIES - ONE FALKIRK DISTRICT Our plans for each community in Falkirk district need to be both aspirational and achievable. With recovery at the forefront of our minds, we want to ensure our places and spaces are fit for families, individuals, young and old alike. INDEPENDENCE We believe that the people best able to decide how Scotland is governed are the people who live here. Based on those principles we believe the people of Scotland should have the opportunity in a referendum, when the Covid crisis is over, to decide whether Scotland should be an independent country. Independence provides the opportunity to pursue priorities tailored to Scotland’s needs. An independent Scotland would have the power to make different choices, with different budgetary results, better suited to our interests. Independence will give Scotland the powers we need to grow our economy, invest in our people and public services, for a fairer, wealthier, greener country. SNP Councillors support the Scottish Government’s clear mandate to hold a referendum on independence once the Covid crisis has passed and, Covid allowing, for it to be held within the first half of the five-year parliamentary term. It must be up to the people of Scotland – not a Westminster government they didn’t vote for – to decide how Scotland is governed. Falkirk district has seen the worst of a unionist coalition opposing the SNP’s progressive vision at every turn. Their dislike of the SNP is holding our communities hostage; it’s time to choose a different path.
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We have a choice: a backwards move with Boris Johnson’s Tory party supported by the Labour party in another dirty-deal. Or recovery, revitalisation and regeneration with a pro-independence SNP team who will work every day to make Falkirk district a place we can be proud of, playing our role in a successful, independent Scotland.
We can build a better future by understanding and tackling the challenges each of our communities face, but we must face those challenges together as one Falkirk district where no-one is left behind. 20 MINUTE NEIGHBOURHOODS The creation of liveable, accessible places, with thriving local economies, where people can meet their daily needs within a 20 minute walk. This ambition will be met by working with the Scottish Government. By changing our approach to transport, housing and public services we can make 20 minute neighbourhoods a reality as we recover from the pandemic. Bringing people back into our town centres and high streets, creating thriving communities at the epicentre of our regeneration. SAFE, WELL AND WELCOME The development of Place Plans and expansion of participatory budgeting through our Community Choices programme puts decision making in the hands of communities. Who better to make those decisions than the communities themselves? Investment of over £1 million in CCTV is the beginning of enhancing community safety. We will build on this and continue to invest to make our communities as safe as they can be. We will analyse our pilot 20mph schemes with a view to rolling these out across the district. Litter and fly-tipping is a growing concern. While every effort is being made to tackle the problem, there is a need to work with communities to strengthen those efforts. We will continue to work to ensure litter and fly-tipping is eliminated. Expansion of our Living Well Centres, developing one in every locality across the district.
SNP Manifesto 2022-2027 NATIONAL CARE SERVICE The importance of our social care services has never been clearer. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our nation’s carers, paid and unpaid, for the commitment and compassion we have seen throughout the pandemic. Working closely with our Scottish Government partners we will contribute to the establishment of a National Care Service, changing the way we deliver support and services for people who use community health and social care in Scotland. We will also call on the lived experiences of people using care services to improve, develop and deliver a fit-for-purpose National Care Service. It will allow us to introduce a National Wage for Care staff and enter into national pay bargaining for the sector, based on fair work principles, for the first time. REMOVAL OF NON-RESIDENTIAL CARE CHARGES We believe social care services, just like health care services, should be provided on a truly universal basis, free at the point of use. Our SNP council will therefore work closely with the Scottish Government to abolish charges for non-residential care. MENTAL HEALTH Mental health is one of the most important public health issues facing Scotland today and that is why, even before Covid, the SNP has made it a priority. To tackle stigma and raise awareness of mental illness, we will offer mental health first aid training to all staff by 2026, incorporating training into inductions for new Council staff as soon as possible. We will encourage cross-department working to tackle mental ill health in the workplace, reducing stigma and providing safe spaces. Outdoor activities and exercise are proven methods of tackling mental ill health. We will work to improve access to outdoor spaces, sporting, leisure and cultural opportunities in our local communities; keeping them clean and accessible. With a particular focus on supporting children and young people from low-income backgrounds. PLAY PARKS Play is a crucial part of children’s health and well-being. An SNP administration will work with our Scottish Government partners to renew every play park, building high quality outdoor play in their own community.
SCOTLAND LOVES LOCAL Supporting the businesses at the heart of our communities has never been more important, as we recover from the pandemic. We will promote the ‘Scotland Loves Local’ Campaign and encourage people to eat, shop and support business in our own communities, supporting jobs and fostering the vibrant selection of products and services on offer close to home. An SNP Council in Falkirk district will utilise our procurement systems to purchase goods and services from local suppliers where possible, within the frameworks available. OUR LEADING ROLE IN CLIMATE CHANGE The fate of the planet has never been more stark. Collectively we must deliver policies that will reverse damage to our planet, and begin a revitalisation of our land, natural assets and the planet we call home. We will build upon our current strategies supporting the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan to maximise opportunities towards a Just Transition, committing Falkirk district to be a leader on Net Zero by 2030. Plans will continue on investment in Council buildings and vehicles to ensure they are moving towards Net Zero as fast as possible. Priorities will be placed on older buildings, including schools. FORTH VALLEY NET ZERO Climate Change doesn’t recognise borders. As part of ‘Forth Valley for Net Zero’ we will work with partners in Stirling and Clackmannanshire to identify best practice in alignment with our objectives from COP26. While we will embed these principles working across the Forth Valley exploring opportunities for transport, tourism and commerce partnerships.
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Recover Revitalise Regenerate RECOVER No-one has escaped the impacts of the pandemic. We have all faced challenges, some more than others, and the difficulties we faced before the first lockdown of March 2020 may not yet have disappeared.
REVITALISE This manifesto mentions the building of communities - both in a physical and metaphorical way. Community isn’t about buildings, but the people who make the communities what they are.
As we move through the phases of recovery, we are faced with the significant challenges of the cost of living crisis - where those most vulnerable during the pandemic continue to feel the brunt of the impact.
Falkirk district is a tapestry of vibrant and diverse threads, weaved together to create a bigger picture. Each thread represents a part, or parts, of our district, and the picture isn’t complete without them all.
In that context, we hear a lot about recovery - but we need to talk about what that means.
But we know there are some communities who feel left behind. We plan to change that by taking bold decisions, and driving the change our communities are calling for.
Our people across the district are the key to our recovery. Not just because people need to recover most, but we will also be responsible for delivering that recovery. Working together with our community partners, voluntary organisations, schools, third and private sector stakeholders, we will put in place strategies to mitigate the worst effects of the cost of living crisis and the lasting health and social inequalities of the pandemic to help people of all ages, and all backgrounds, have the chance to recover from what has been a traumatic and life-altering experience for everyone. YOUNG PEOPLE & THEIR RECOVERY Closing our schools was one of the most difficult decisions we will have ever made. The pressure of remote learning on families was perhaps some of the most difficult times we faced. While we understand the impacts may yet to be fully known, we want to make sure we are prepared for what’s ahead. Children and young people are incredibly resilient, but we know that the upheaval impacted on them the most. Along with our mental health strategies, and an education system that puts the young person at the heart of their own learning and growth journeys, we will work tirelessly to ensure our bairns have the opportunity, resources and environments to recover and begin their own pathway to fulfilling their potential.
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Breathing new life into each community following our recovery will ensure that places become the welcoming homes people deserve. In doing so together, we will create a collective pride that will see Falkirk district harness the best of every town and village in our area and we can only do that by bringing everyone along with us. REGENERATE Over the course of the past 15 years funding and resources have become stretched, and core services have had to be protected. While our programme to transform services, delivering them in better and more cost-effective ways, has reaped benefits, some of our harder days may still lie ahead. Without significant investment businesses may close with jobs, opportunities and livelihoods lost. We have a vision and ambition to stop that happening, and we intend to take the decisions that will be in the interest of the people of Falkirk district. Given the stark warnings from our businesses Falkirk district needs a bold SNP majority administration who have the ability and backing to deliver the changes needed. Looking to the future we will build a plan for regeneration, further diversifying our economy, driving innovation where possible, and building our Just Transition. We are confident in our ability to improve lives, communities and opportunities across Falkirk district.
SNP Manifesto 2022-2027
OUR PEOPLE Ward One: Bo’ness & Blackness Stacey Devine Stacey has spent her adult life championing the right of others. She has helped develop policies and has taken part in several campaigns on issues such as education, childcare, mental health and women’s rights among a range of other things. Stacey has sat on a number of boards including Equality Challenge Unit, Engender, Reid Kerr College and served 2 terms as NUS Scotland Women’s Officer.
Stacey is a mum of two working as a manager in housing. She enjoys baking and volunteers in and around her local community.
Ward Two: Grangemouth David Balfour David is married and lives in Grangemouth with his daughter and his dog, Spock. He has been a hard-working Councillor for the people of Grangemouth since 2012. He has helped many constituents with a wide range of issues, worked with and supported many local groups and organisations. David has worked to improve his hometown including many of the parks and open spaces. He has a professional background in Information Technology, Physics and Energy Engineering and as a keen biker, is committed to road safety, especially around schools.
John Haston
John is a resident of Grangemouth where he lives with his fiancée, Kimberley. They are both looking forward to welcoming a daughter in June. John is passionate about his local area, demonstrated through his volunteering with Kersiebank Community Project. He coordinates and runs their successful Breakfast Club for children and families during the school holidays where the service is well received. John’s work with the project is a stepping stone to eradicating food poverty among children when they are not in school.
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Ward Three: Denny & Banknock Fiona Collie Elected to serve the Denny and Banknock ward in 2017, Fiona has more than 25 years’ experience in working with charities and community groups, particularly in the health and social care sector. During this time she has both worked and volunteered in activities for children and adults with disabilities, raised funds, provided information and advice and developed policies and campaigns for the changes needed in legislation, health, social care and social security to improve the lives of older and disabled people and unpaid carers.
Paul Garner Paul was first elected in the 2015 Denny & Banknock by-election and has represented his home ward of Denny & Dunipace with hard work and commitment that has brought significant benefit to his ward and constituents. Having held the Transport, Roads & Environment Portfolio since 2017, Paul has played a key role in the administration, guiding the council through difficult times as Deputy Leader. Living in Head of Muir with his wife and young son, Paul enjoys running, cycling and is a keen angler when time allows.
Ward Four: Carse, Kinnaird & Tryst Gary Bouse Gary has an extensive business background and has been an SNP councillor for Carse Kinnaird & Tryst since 2017. As Resources Portfolio holder Gary has been involved in multiple committees at Falkirk council. He has been actively working with various Community groups in Stenhousemuir, Kinnaird, Airth and Carronshore including litter picking, community gardens, fund raising, snow clearance, chairs the Tryst community group and is a Director of the Dobbie Hall Trust. Gary has lived in the area with his wife for over 25 years. They have 1 daughter and 2 Pugs.
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Laura Murtagh
Laura has been an SNP councillor since 2017 and has held the diverse portfolio for Public Protection since 2018. Living in Airth with her 2 daughters and committee loving cat, Laura is passionate both about her local area and campaigning on global issues, such as Climate Change, Social Justice & Equality. A Scottish History graduate, Laura is a trustee of Stenhousemuir charity Warriors in the Community and is a keen photographer, writer & nature lover in her spare time.
Ward Five: Bonnybridge & Larbert Bryan Deakin Bryan was born and bred in Bonnybridge. He is committed to bringing community spirit back to his hometown. An active and experienced campaigner, he found his political voice during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He believes that Scotland should be an independent country and has campaigned at successive elections to ensure the voices of all within his ward and the wider Falkirk district have been heard. He is privileged to be selected as a candidate at this election and is ready to make the most of this opportunity to achieve for his constituents.
James Muir
Jim was born locally, and his lived his whole life in the area. Previously working in agriculture and construction industries, Jim has worked with Scottish Water for over three decades. Jim has worked over several campaigns since 2014 and is a trustworthy and tireless campaigner. His time as a Community Councillor and member of a local resident’s group has given him real experience in representing communities. Jim has competed in various Highland games over the years at Tug-o-War, he is a keen bowler and enjoys walks with his dogs.
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Ward Six: Falkirk North Cecil Meiklejohn Cecil was first elected in 2007, became SNP Group leader in 2012, and has been Leader of Falkirk Council and SNP minority administration since 2017. She has worked tirelessly to deliver for the people of Falkirk over the last 5 years, having led the Council’s response to the pandemic, delivering balanced budgets in financially challenging times and securing £141m investment through the Growth Deal from UK and Scottish Governments and matched investment from Scottish Canals and Falkirk Council. Cecil will provide strong leadership and a clear vision to take Falkirk forward alongside her colleagues in a returning SNP administration.
Iain Sinclair
Iain brings a wealth of experience to our team of candidates with a background in customer service, retail and trade sales before embarking on a career in political communications and research at both Holyrood and Westminster. Joining the SNP in 2012, he is a trusted strategist and experienced campaigner having played a key role in several successful campaigns over the years. Iain lives in Langlees with his wife, two children and two dogs. He is a keen home-baker, photographer, writer and volunteers with a local Boys’ Brigade company.
Ward Seven: Falkirk South Lorna Binnie
Since being first elected in 2017, Lorna has worked tirelessly for the Falkirk South ward. She has an excellent track record in making strong representations on behalf of her constituents, passionately believing in Social Justice, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. As a member of several committees, Lorna has made an impact on the lives of people across Falkirk district. As a Former Civil Servant and Trade Union Representative, serving and empowering her constituents is one of her main priorities.
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Emma Russell
Emma was elected to the SNP team in Falkirk Council in October 2021 and immediately made an impact. Emma is a professional Human Resources (HR) advisor and Business Graduate. An experienced campaigner, former Vice-Chair of the Dementia Services charity, Townbreak. Emma has a track record in shaping services for vulnerable people in our communities working with charities such as Deafblind Scotland and CHAS. An enthusiastic and dedicated Councillor for Falkirk South, Emma stands ready to help and do her best to improve the lives of her constituents.
Ward Eight: Lower Braes Adanna McCue Since being elected in 2017 Adanna has worked tirelessly as a Councillor, making a positive impact in the Lower Braes. She has supported community groups and made every effort to improve her ward and the lives of residents within. With a background in Education she has overseen the delivery of Falkirk district’s early years provision expansion and has helped to close the poverty attainment gap, while steering a new mental health service. Following re-election, she will ensure education and young people continue to be at the heart of council decision making.
Gordon Forrest Gordon is a semi-retired businessman, who has lived in Polmont with his wife Cathy and their family for nearly 40 years. As a candidate, he brings a wealth of managerial experience from industry and catering sectors and has significant expertise from running his own high-street business. A Scout Leader in Polmont, he has been involved in other community groups such as the local rotary club, Mens’ sheds and is a supporter of Amnesty International. He likes spending time with his grandson, metal detecting and is a keen amateur rocketeer.
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Ward Nine: Upper Braes Jim Robertson
Jim was born and raised in Slamannan, attending Slamannan Primary School and Woodlands High School, where he met his late wife, Janet, bringing their son, Cameron, up in the community. A passionate campaigner for the Upper Braes, Jim is fully aware of the challenges in the area. Jim firmly believes in regenerating our communities, particularly in the Upper Braes, and will work tirelessly as part of an SNP administration to promote the significant heritage of the area, working to deliver change that families and their children can take pride in.
Your Falkirk District SNP Team
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Many Diverse Communities
One Falkirk District
Promoted by Callum Timms of 12 Ladywell View, Bo’ness, EH51 0NL, on behalf of Falkirk District SNP, 3 Castings Drive, Falkirk, FK2 7BN. Printed by Saltire Print, 60 Brook Street, Glasgow, G40 2AB